So I thought I'd write about my regular hair routine. Yeah, I don't really have one. I am so inconsistent with my hair routine; the only thing that stays constant about my routine is that there's always hair on my head. Now, I realize that this is not good for a number of reasons, so I'm turning over a new leaf. I am now determined to have a hair routine that works for me, and that I stick with for at least two months (I feel like that's a good amount of time to know if the routine is working or not).
So, first off, what do I want out of my hair
- Health-I want my hair to be healthy and happy
- Shine-my scalp does not (at least currently) produce a lot of oil and my hair is often dull
- Length-so weird, I don't like my hair on my face, and almost always pull/pin it back, but I want to see how long I can grow it, I'm going for booty length
- Moisture-moisture is so important for textured hair
- Movement-I want my hair to move when the wind hits it, you know, runway hair that blows, and I want to be able to change my hairstyle with ease throughout the day. Okay, so no, I'm not going to go changing my hair a million times/day, but if I go out at night I want to be able to have a different look than I did during the day if I so desire
- Resilience-I want my hair to be tough and strong, and my curls to last from day to day, with low maintenance especially despite the humidity and my workout schedule
So, what do I want out of a routine
- Something that accomplishes all the desires I have for my hair
- Something that is at least fairly simple (otherwise I won't stick to it)
- Something that does not take too much time. I'm a busy woman, and while I do love my hair, I don't want to spend large amounts of time tending to it
So, what will I do first to build a good hair routine
- I currently condition (co-wash) my hair about every other day. However, I would like to cut this down to 2, maybe 3 times per week. I don't know how healthy it is to wash so often, and it will save some time.
- I currently shampoo my hair about 2-3x/month. I think I will cut shampooing down to 1 maybe 2 times per month. As mentioned earlier, I don't have oily hair/scalp so I really don't have much need for shampooing more than 1time/month other than habit.
So, the first steps in building my hair routine is to condition 2xs per week, and to shampoo 1x per month. I am currently trying Garnier Fructis Color Shield conditioner, and I like it. I have not yet decided if I like it better than Herbal Essences Totally Twisted conditioner, but it is close. I also have samples of Dove intensive hair repair conditioner, and am considering trying another Garnier Fructis conditioner. So, technically, I guess my first task is to settle on a conditioner :0 I will finish my Garnier Fructis Color Shield and then try the Dove sample, and go on from there. I am currently using Hemp Hydrating Shampoo, and will continue to use that until it is all gone (don't' want to waste money ;-).
So, first I'll tackle the process of proper conditioning, and then from there move on with the hair routine!!! I'm excited, consistency may actually be fun.
NOTE OF CAUTION: If you find something (product or routine) that you like, and that works well for you, stick with it.......
From what I have read, you can co-wash daily, but it depends on the conditioner you use. It is probably a good idea to at least cowash on days you work out. Shampooing less is probably a good idea if your hair is really dry. I think your routine MAY be possible, but it is dependent on the products you use and as far as moisturizers go, you may have to get stuff online. Some of the products I have had success with in the past can now be found in stores here in Columbia. I believe I read on one of the natural hair boards that a majority of the products you find in stores have alcohols in them, which dry the hair out. My favorite natural hair board is Happy Curls. It has been a while since I have been on, but last time I checked it had remained relatively drama free unlike some of the other boards. Hope this helps!
ReplyDeleteAlso, how you apply the products to your hair, how much product you apply, and how much you touch your hair before and after it dries makes a difference. I have found that using an old t-shirt to wrap my wet hair in, gives me less frizz. My hair would get caught in those microfiber towels.
ReplyDeleteHey Tiffanie,
ReplyDeleteI've never tried drying with a t-shirt, but I think I'll give that a whirl. Currently, I don't dry my hair at all which is not ideal: one it's no good to have wet hair all day and two it drips all over the place, not cute!!!
Yeah, I usually read the ingredient list before I buy a product. If there are too many ingredients I usually don't buy the product, one because I don't want to read that much and two because it makes me feel as if the product isn't really that good if it has to include a million products :-/ but that's just a personal opinion. Most store products definitely do have alcohols, but not alcohols are so bad.
As far as moisturizers go, I agree that most of the goodies are online. I am excited about Carol's Daughter being sold in local stores now. I've also been wanting to try the Mixed Chicks line of products, but that may have to wait. We'll see...thanks for the comments, keep leaving them!!!!!!!!!!
I believe that the Curls and Kinky Curly products can now be found in Columbia stores as well.
ReplyDeleteOk,
ReplyDeleteI think I left a comment somewhere that I wasn't initally a huge fan of the Kinky Curly Curling Custard, but I still had moist, defined curls days and days later. And there wasn't much shrinkage. When I got up in the morning, I just tugged my hair back into place and I was good to go. I think the steam from my shower also helped. If they have a curl refresher, I'm sure even better curls will be had. You can try some of mine when I get back, to see if you like it.